But Arsenal have suddenly swung into action after learning that United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has also come looking for the 21-year-old star.

United have sent scouts to watch M'Vila for the past few weeks and Inter Milan and Bayern Munich have also shown an interest, it added.

But United's interest has been the spur to persuade Arsenal to move in quickly to tie up a deal even before the end of the season.

Arsenal have already agreed a £10m transfer for Cologne striker Lukas Podolski and the German international is a done deal for next season.

M'Vila is the next in and the Frenchman has already indicated that his desire to play for Arsenal will be the biggest factor in his decision.

M'Vila said earlier this month: "If it is Wenger who asks you then of course that changes things."

However, the arrival of M'Vila could throw up a question mark about the future of Alex Song in a midfield already packed with the likes of Jack Wilshere, Mikel Arteta, Aaron Ramsey, Tomas Rosicky and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.